I'm stuck.

[BrassaxMan5]

What do you fellows do whenever you're composing a song, and get to a point, and just run out of ideas? I'm composing for a big band, and I am completely dry, nothing left.

[Razzy]

Probably realize I need to put in some more study and try to compose more things on a smaller scale.

Did you start out composing for big band? I'd recommend taking a step back and trying to arrange a standard tune for big band first. Study old charts, see how Basie, Duke, and Kenton did this. Then maybe try to compose a short big band arrangement of a medium-up tune that you like (medium-up because this is, for many, the easiest tempo to write for big band). Finally come back to your chart with some more ideas in your arsenal.

[JS]

Razzy's dead on the money here - check out some scores! Seriously, get the book, "Inside the Score" - analyze some voicings from Nestico, Thad Jones, Frank Foster, Tadd Dameron, Bill Holman, Brookmeyer, Gerry Mulligan - anyone that you like (and don't like, for that matter).

I think trying to arrange a standard tune/bebop tune first would be a great idea. However, a good point to remember when composing/arranging - let the chart breathe - put it away for awhile! Take a step back from it, let the dust settle, and come back to it in a day or two. Keep some manuscript paper, a MiniDisc or tape recorder with you, and if an idea comes to you, get it down - come back to it later. Either way, whatever you do, it's a good idea to check out some scores (along with the recordings) - there's a wealth of information out there...

[BrassaxMan5]

heh...I just GOT the book Inside The Score.
Very interesting stuff, wish I could understand half of it.

[bubblegirlsax]

I just fiddle around on a keyboard and see what melodies I can come up with. Think of an emotion you're trying to convey and just play junk based on that until something good comes up :)

[gary]

What do you fellows do whenever you're composing a song, and get to a point, and just run out of ideas? I'm composing for a big band, and I am completely dry, nothing left.While the above suggestions are good ones, I'm not sure there is a direct link between how much you know about composition and working through a writing block, which comes to most folks at all levels. Obviously the more you know the more resources you have to work your way out but it happens at all levels, so...what to do.

When I get to a block, I get away from my writing desk and try to do something mindless; take a walk, clean the toilett, meditate, exercise, but most of all, suck in some real wind...deep breaths; whatever takes your mind away from concentrating on the writing. The creative mind often gets its best ideas when they come unforced. I often joke that I get some of my best ideas while taking a whizz.

Now, on the other side of the problem - check to see if you painted yourself into a corner, musically. If you did, where. You might have to trash some of what you have already written because it took you in a wrong direction, go back and continue afresh from an earlier point in your chart.

Check your overall form - are you writing as it comes, or have you given yourself an overall plan of where you are going and how your are going to get there and, just as important, how you're going to get away from it.

Also, you might want to sit back away from your chart and sketch out some melodic, rhythmic and/or harmonic ideas to pursue and give you ideas as to how to continue. Also think of texture, dynamic contrast, instrumentation, key changes. There are other things that you can use.

Personally, without seeing your chart and knowing whether or not you are in over your head, I don't recommend stopping work on it and going back to basics. If you got yourself into a sticking place and everything leading up to that was OK then work yourself out of it.

And keep this in mind. A lot of writing is not knowing what to put in...it's in knowing what to leave out. ;)

[Minatar12]

I assume you're writing for a school band of some sort. You're in high school, if I remember right, correct? Well, I don't know how receptive your group would be to this, but I've always tried to use the bands I've been in as a kind of workshop for my ideas...not very often mind, just once in a while. I have them play what I've written, and I listen to it, and that more than anything jogs my brain in to what to do next - or what to alter, more often than not. Hearing your chart played by live musicians does things, and shows flaws (and strengths) that a computer can by no means do. It can also be inspiring - hearing your tune played out loud to you can be extremely exciting (if mortifying! :) )

So, that might be something you can consider. If your director knows anything about composition, he can help you too. But see if you can get your band to play it, that might get the creative juices going, it always does for me.

[BrassaxMan5]

hey, if any of you guys use Sibelius 3, I'd be happy to send the score to you, so long as you don't try to steal my chart.
Email that is. just send me a PM, and I'll get back to you.